Best Staten Island Divorce Lawyers

Why You Should Hire a Staten Island Divorce Lawyer

A divorce is one of the most challenging things that a person can have to go through. There is the emotional turmoil of it, to be sure, but there are also practical and logistical matters that must be fought over. It is never easy, but the person who gets through a divorce as quickly and painlessly as possible is one happy individual indeed. They have gone through it all and proven that it is possible to survive such an ordeal. Today we want to look at some reasons why you should hire a divorce lawyer if you are going through something like this.

Avoiding Errors Or Omissions

Courts of law are places where the details matter. Courts are very formal and must follow the letter of the law. They are not places where even small mistakes are forgiven. Instead, you can expect an error or omission on your part and derail your entire case.

Given that most people going through a divorce are not formally trained in the law, it is easy to see how many people could fall into a situation where they end up making a mistake on something they have filed with the court. They could end up shooting themselves in the foot by doing this.

Instead of going down that grim path, most should hire an attorney to ensure the divorce is done correctly. Attorneys have gone to school for years to study how courts operate. They know how it works and what to do to help their clients get the best possible situation for them. They also take on all of the responsibility for avoiding errors or omissions.

Speeding Up The Process

A divorce attorney can speed up the divorce process for all parties involved. Most states have a minimum number of days before a divorce can be finalized. That minimum is rarely the total number that is achieved. These events are almost always a lot longer than that. As such, having an attorney working for you is a good idea to minimize the number of days you must spend in court having this thing drag on. They can at least help you get the results you want without as many delays as you would otherwise have to go through.

They Speak To The Other Attorney

Divorce is such a messy issue in an emotional sense. Understandably, many people would rather not speak with the individual they are divorcing from. Thus, it is a good thing when lawyers are involved because they can talk to one another rather than having the parties themselves go through all that.

It is much easier to have your attorney speak to the other person’s attorney than to do it yourself. The bottom line is that you can avoid having unwanted and unpleasant conversations with someone you really cannot stand. Your attorney will ensure all communications they have with the other side are professional and accomplish something.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Staten Island Divorce Lawyers Legal Advice Can Help Protect You

At the end of the day, the court will decide on several factors, such as who gets what in a divorce. Many people are not pleased with how these things shake out in some cases. Therefore, it is a good idea to try to work with an attorney so that you never end up with the short end of the stick,.

An attorney can help you understand exactly what your rights are and how you might get the most fair deal possible out of all of this. You must look in the mirror and decide what you want from your whole divorce proceeding. Ultimately, you will probably make the right decision and get an attorney to help you navigate these tricky times. It is the most straightforward way to get the results you want.

[sc_fs_faq html=”true” headline=”h2″ img=”” question=”Do I Have To Sign The Divorce Papers if I Don’t Agree?” img_alt=”” css_class=””]

A Legal Separation: What to Do If Your Spouse Wants a Divorce

A legal separation is a trying and difficult process any couple can go through. This process becomes more challenging when you realize that your spouse doesn’t want to fix the marriage. So, do you have options if your partner is planning a divorce, but you are not ready to give up on the marriage? Should you sign the divorce if you don’t want to?

Understanding the Importance of Involvement

Regardless of how difficult it is to face divorce, you need to be involved in court proceedings to ensure you don’t lose what you are entitled to. It’s essential to note that your spouse does not necessarily require your participation to get divorced from you. Provided he or she notifies you after the petition is filed and follows the rules of the court, he or she can acquire a final divorce decree in court.

Common Reasons for Not Signing Divorce Papers

There are several reasons why someone may choose not to sign divorce papers:

1. Denial

Everybody experiences feelings of rejection or disbelief, particularly when it comes to divorce. If you find it difficult to believe that your marriage is really over, it may be helpful to seek professional help to navigate this stage of grief.

2. Belief That Both Parties Must Agree

Some individuals mistakenly believe that both spouses must agree to get divorced. However, it only takes one person to dissolve a marriage. Even if you refuse to sign the divorce papers, you will only prolong the process, but you won’t stop your spouse from leaving you.

3. Hope for a Change of Heart

Delaying the signing of divorce papers in the hope that your spouse will change their mind is not a productive approach. If your spouse wants a divorce, it is unlikely that they are interested in reconciling the marriage.

4. Fear of Change

Divorce brings significant changes to every aspect of life. If you are afraid of losing control or struggle with change, you may be hesitant to sign the papers. However, it is important to consider your own well-being and future happiness.

5. Financial Dependence

If you rely on your spouse for financial support, it can be difficult to sign divorce papers. The fear of how you will survive without their assistance, especially if you have children, can be overwhelming. It is important to explore your options and seek legal advice to ensure you are protected.

The Divorce Process

Even if you refuse to sign the divorce papers, your spouse may file a divorce petition in a court where either of you resides. This petition will contain information about you, your spouse, your children, and the marriage itself. The reason for divorce, as well as the marital assets and debts, will also be included. Once the petition is filed, you will be notified according to the court’s requirements. If you actively avoid being served with the papers, your spouse may be allowed to publish a notice in a local newspaper for a specified number of days. This notice will provide information about the filing, the hearing date, and the court where the divorce case was filed. If you still do not respond, your spouse can proceed with the divorce without your participation. In the event that you fail to respond to the notice, your spouse can request a default judgment from the court. This judgment is typically granted when a spouse fails to respond to the summons. The judge will make a ruling based on the information provided by your spouse, and the divorce will proceed according to their terms.

Considerations and Legal Options

If you choose not to sign the divorce papers, it is important to file a response before the court’s deadline. Use this opportunity to state the reasons why you disagree with the petition. However, it is crucial to contest the divorce in good faith and address legitimate issues such as child custody, rather than unnecessarily delaying the proceedings. You may also consider filing a counterclaim, which allows you to propose your own terms for the divorce, including the division of marital debts and assets. To navigate this complex process successfully, it is highly recommended to hire a professional divorce lawyer. They can provide expert advice and help you achieve a favorable judgment. [/sc_fs_faq]

[sc_fs_faq html=”true” headline=”h2″ img=”” question=”Do I Need A Staten Island Divorce Lawyer Before Signing Anything?” img_alt=”” css_class=””] When a divorce occurs, it is not an easy process. Not only are emotions running high on both sides, but there are also a number of factors to take into consideration, such as custody agreements, child support and alimony payments, division of property, and other important details. Because of this, there will be many steps involved in making a divorce final, and many documents that will be drafted by attorneys for you to read and sign. Unfortunately, many people are not thinking clearly during divorce proceedings, and thus tend to sign documents they either have barely read or not even read at all. Needless to say, this often leads to misunderstandings and additional legal problems down the road. To keep this from happening, it’s usually best to consult a lawyer prior to signing anything associated with your divorce. Though not necessary, it can save you lots of time, worry, and financial difficulties.

Read the Divorce Decree Carefully

For most couples getting a divorce, they are often very anxious to sign the divorce decree, making the divorce official. However, before doing so, it’s recommended that you read the decree very carefully, making sure you fully understand all parts of it and agree to the terms listed. For example, the decree usually contains orders issued by the presiding judge, and they sometimes contain orders that must be completed within a certain period of time, such as when the first child support or alimony payment must be made. Also, it’s crucial to read the decree to make sure the court did not make any mistakes on the document. From putting in the wrong amount of money for alimony or child support payments to other mistakes that could dramatically impact your divorce, verifying everything is correct before signing is imperative. Therefore, have both you and your attorney look over the decree before you sign on the dotted line.

Can Signed Divorce Papers be Contested?

While it’s possible to contest divorce papers that have been signed, it can be a difficult, time-consuming, and costly process. In most cases, the defense you would use would be having signed the papers under duress, and therefore not having time to consult with an attorney so that you fully understood all aspects of the divorce decree. Or, if you can prove you were suffering from a physical or mental issue that impaired your thinking at the time you signed the papers, you may be able to contest the decree. However, since the court has usually taken a great amount of time to deal with your divorce case, once the papers are signed, the court will in all likelihood hold you to the terms of the decree.

Should I Trust My Ex-Spouse’s Staten Island Divorce Lawyer?

In some divorce proceedings, one spouse will let their ex-spouse and their attorney handle all the paperwork, and this can be a mistake. After all, the attorney working for your ex-spouse is determined to see their client get the best deal possible, so it’s likely there may be wording in the decree that would not work in your favor. Because of this, it’s advised you never go through a divorce proceeding without legal representation. Even if you and your spouse have little property and no children, there may still be certain aspects of the decree that require clarification. Rather than trust any details of your divorce to another attorney who may in fact be working against you, hire your own attorney to help you navigate the complexities of your divorce.

What if I Disagree with the Divorce Papers?

While it’s possible your spouse or their attorney may attempt to pressure you into signing divorce papers you may not agree with, it’s best to never take the bait and do so. Instead, always have your attorney carefully go over each and every part of the divorce decree with you. If there are aspects you feel need to be changed, never think you can sign first and then have the changes made later on. While this might happen, signing the original decree will greatly decrease the chances of getting a ruling in your favor. Instead, have your attorney file a petition with the court to contest the divorce. Even though this will lead to additional time spent in a courtroom, it will be to your advantage to ensure you come out of the divorce with the best possible deal.

Can a Divorce Occur if I Don’t Sign Papers?

In situations where one spouse wants a divorce but the other does not, it’s possible that a divorce can still happen even if one spouse chooses never to sign the papers. In these cases, this is referred to as an uncontested divorce. So long as you were properly served papers by the court and instead chose to not respond or appear at any hearings, the court will assume you have no objections to the divorce, and will usually grant the spouse seeking a divorce the ruling they desire. Therefore, rather than be like many people who are surprised to find out they are actually divorced, always work with an attorney who understands this complex process.

Trust Your Staten Island Divorce Lawyer

If you are going through a divorce, always work with an attorney you can trust. By doing so, you can be sure that whenever you sign a document related to your divorce, it will be done so with your best interests at heart. [/sc_fs_faq]